Monday, May 30, 2011

If you're like me and scroll through a post's photos first, I know what you're thinking: "WOW -- this looks straight out of a magazine!" That's the same reaction I have to every one of my friend Vera's photos. We met through Flickr only about a year ago but I was instantly taken with her sweet personality and talent; we became fast friends. Together with other women including Aisha, Asri, Laksmi, and Sylvie, we formed a supportive community of photographers sharing honest feedback with each other. I've quickly come to love and rely on these friends.

Meanwhile, Vera's talent for styling and shooting food grew by leaps and bounds, becoming so outstanding that I was not at all surprised (though quite delighted) when she turned it into her profession. You can check out more of her incredible work on her blog, professional site, and Flickr photostream. But first, please give your warmest welcome to Vera and the refreshing treats she brought us today! It's truly an honor to have her as my latest guest.

I would have never thought that one day I would call strangers, whom I've never actually met, friends. Yes, Xiaolu is my friend although we have never met personally; a friend who shares the same passion for photography and food. And what photography! And what food! Have you seen her latest photos and delicious sweet treats? Aren’t they gorgeous? Oh my, you can understand my excitement when she asked me to guest post on her site. Man, what do you bring to someone when she bakes so fantastically? Cookies, cakes and cupcakes were out of question. My little sweets would look just ridiculous against her miraculous treats.

So about a month after I had been asked, I decided to go for popsicles. I have never met anyone who wouldn’t like popsicles, so here they are. This is so international that it really doesn’t matter whether you are Hungarian (like me), American or Asian -- people like ice cream the same way everywhere in the world. It reminds me of my childhood. I always preferred the fruity popsicles and the yellow fruits. I love the color red in everything but in my ice cream. Now, how crazy is that? Yellow fruits are so sunny and remind me of the hot, summer days at my grandmother's. Of the way the sweet, sticky, fruity juice ran down on my arm and of course dripped on my clean, white dress...but I was the happiest girl on Earth at that time. I hope these popsicles will bring back some of your childhood memories, too. Enjoy!

Fill the bottom of your popsicle mold with the yogurt, then freeze it until the mango puree is ready, but for at least 30 minutes.

Stir sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Process mango and orange juice in a food processor until smooth, add syrup and process to combine. Let it cool in the refrigerator.

Fill popsicle molds and freeze until firm. Insert wooden popsicle sticks and return to freezer until frozen. Dip molds in hot water to unmold before consuming.

When I saw you tweeted that Vera was guest posting for you I knew instantly who you were talking about! I love Vera, she's wonderfully talented and so kind too. I really enjoy the little community we have over on Flickr, it's wonderful to be part of a group of friends that inspire and encourage each other the way we all do.

Xiaolu, Vera! I love both of you and the way you talk to about food, gastronomy, photography... :) I always feel the passion of your photos, You're huge talents, ladies! :)) Enjoyable entry, story and of course amazing photos, again. I wish good luck to you!

Xiaolu, thanks for showcasing such a group of great food photographers. I have Been literally drooling over the photos at their Flickr accounts! Veronika's popsicles are stunning! And yes! They look straight out of a magazine!

nothing but gorgeous and more gorgeous! I can spend hours and years browsing thru' Vera's photographs (and yours and all the above mentioned) and be mesmerized. These are perfect summer treats! love the mango and the orange.

You're right, that looks straight out of a magazine!! I can't stop telling me "one day you'll make pictures just as gorgeous as this!" I hope so!! And i really liked your recipe, refreshing and yummy!!

Thanks for introducing us to Vera. You're right, her photographs do look like they come out of a magazine...these popsicles are captured in such an imaginative manner, it just makes me want to go and make these for my kids straight away!

Hi Xiaolu..I didn't know you mentioned my name here, thank you I am surprised and honored :). Yes , I love our friendship at Flickr and I always miss my Flickr friend. Vera is so talented and creative. She was my second contact when I started being active on food photography. She always support me and she is the one who suggest me to write down my opinion , thought on Flickr comment :)eventhough I was newcomer.Finally...this a great post I love it!

Because I'm Hungarian, I knew Vera's blog. She is so talented, I think one of the best Hungarian food stylist and photographer. Unfortunatelly I don't know her in person but I'm sure she is as lovely as I imagine! :)

Great recipe, I'm planning to make something similar but in a vegan way.